When's the best time to trade?

[Axion]

I bought my 2006 model year fifth wheel in the spring of 2007. As it was last years model at the time, I got a large chunk taken off the original sticker price. I was wondering what the common time frame is for trading in or trading up?



This 5er is our first and we were somewhat reluctant to spend too much money when we were not sure how much use we would get out of it. Since that time, I have been able to use it for work which really helps the justification. We have also found that we enjoy using it for our annual family holidays so it will see more use in that area as well.



I realize it will depend on the financing I have set up but I also need a way to gauge what my rig is worth at any given time. Are there any "rules of thumb" for depreciation on rv's? I just don't want to hang on to this unit for so long that I end up giving it away just to make room for the new one.



Thanks in advance for all your help.

 

[Slow Six]

It's kind of a crap shoot and all situations are different. We have tended to keep our rv's until we had a reason to change or upgrade, usually around 10 years. Rvs seem to be a lot like buying a vehicle where you take a hit as soon as you drive off the lot. I think you are looking at it okay. You may find that with more use you will want to upgrade at a later date. As for value, that depends a lot on your unit's condition and market demand at time of sale.

 

[JRBurton]

I agree with Slow Six. When you feel its time to trade up or down or when you make out when going for a new one. I myself started with a pop-up had it for 6 yrs. then trade up for a new 31' tt,had that one for 11yrs. Traded last fall for an 08 travel supreme. I guess we'll have that one for at least 10 yrs. Then we'll see where we are at.

John

 

[Slow Six]

JR, how do like the Travel Supreme. We are hoping to upgrade this year and as of now we are leaning towards a Carri-lite for features we like plus a "Canada" package for insulation etc. as we will be using it year around.

 

[duckcarvr]

As said above keep your rig as long as it suits your needs. the longer you use it the less it costs you to own. When you want a new rig sell yours on your own. you cant get them to bargain very well on trade in price and the price of the new rig. much better bargaing postition if you sell yours. they have to take your trade in low enough so they can make a profit on it. when you decide to get a new one NADA or rv trader will give you an idea on what your rig is worth. i think the best time to sell a rig is early spring,best time to buy is dec. -jan. hope this helps robert

 

[Axion]

Thanks very much everyone. I'll keep an eye on eBay and the local trader publications to gauge what my unit is worth. Since the rv is financed through my company, I get a statement once a year showing the status of the loan.



I guess I need to look at the rv the same way I look at my computer; its not obsolete if it still does what you need it to. I can see us having this unit for a while, as it is a good compromise between what I need for work and what we need for family trips.



Thanks again everyone.

 

[Cattletrkr]

In my limited experience it is always best to trade just before something goes BOOM! Unfortunantely I'm always a little too late.